Kelly-Anne Suarez has an article in the Morning Call today about the Nazareth Downtown Association (read the article here), which is currently seeking Board and Committee Volunteers.
Having volunteered my time to work on this project for a little over a year, I indicated to the group my interest in serving on the Board of Directors. The next meeting is being held on Monday, March 19, 2007 at 7:30, at the Nazareth YMCA (please use the front entrance) and anyone interested in learning more is welcome and encouraged to attend.
I've indicated my interest because this program, which is sponsored by the state (see below), has proven to be effective in many communities including Jim Thorpe, New Hope, and Macungie. The benefit to us all will be a better quality of life and a broader tax base.
As an entirely new organization, the initial Board of Directors will be charged with establishing the role the NDA will play in the community, the services it will provide to current and prospective businesses, and how it will work for and with the community, business, service, and civic organizations to promote the efforts of all.
As a result, the Board will need a diversity of individuals possessing a broad range of skills and interests. We are seeking residents, business owners, and property owners. We are also seeking individuals who have strategic business planning, organization, accounting/financial, legal, volunteer management, promotion, and communications skills.
The development of the Board of Directors and Committee Chairperson's is critical to our ability to plan and implement in the coming months. If you would like to learn more or are interested in participating, please make an effort to attend the meeting on Monday, March 19, 2007.
In addition to the individuals from our community, Bill Fontana, Executive Director, and Geoff Brace, Eastern Area Coordinator, of the PA Downtown Center will be attending the meeting to answer questions and provide assistance at this critical juncture.
If you have any questions or can't make the meeting, but are interested in participating or learning more, contact Ross Nunamaker at editor@newsovercoffee.com
Current Status
The Borough of Nazareth recently confirmed that it would have rent free office space available in its new Government Center on Main Street for the NDA. On April 3, 2006 the Borough of Nazareth approved a revised resolution regarding the NDA clarifying that the Borough contribution would not exceed 1/3 of the annual budget and could not be in excess of a total of $90,000 during the first five years.
The NDA has an application for a grant that is currently awaiting approval. Included in the grant materials were a mission statement and by-laws for the organization. It is anticipated that by July 1, 2007 the grant will be approved. The grant money will be used to join the PA Downtown Center, to file 501(c)(3) not for profit incorporation papers, and to begin operation of the organization.
Background
The Nazareth Downtown Association (NDA) is the working name of the organization that is being formed as a participant of the Pennsylvania Development of Community and Economic Development's Main Street Program. Once a grant is provided, NDA will be eligible to become a member of the PA Downtown Center, who offers programs and services to help communities improve their downtown areas. The Downtown Center has posted statistics for 2006 that indicate on average $4.88 private dollars are contributed for every $1.00 of public funding for the 72 reporting programs. You can read more statistics on the program here.
Article Index
Articles specific to or referencing the NDA on NewsOverCoffee can be viewed here and archived posts here.
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